WomenHeard

"You may lose a job you love, you may have someone betray you... this will not define you." In this episode, WomenHeard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis speaks with Kristi VandenBosch, President at OLIVER Agency. Formerly the CEO of Publicis, Chief Digital Officer of MXM (now Accenture Song) and Senior Vice President at Revlon, Kristi's leadership in communications has given her a wealth of expertise - not just in industry knowledge but in cultivating her values.

After speaking at a conference, she was offered a beer and a job - and this began her new journey at OLIVER agency. Holding emotional space for clients is one of her superpowers - establishing quality connections no matter how far up the ladder you may be. Listen to this episode for inspiring details on moving business goals forward and embracing "change moments". 

Please note that this episode includes explicit language and themes.

"Don't ask for permission" may be your next confidence builder after listening to this episode! WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich interviewed New York Women in Communications' new President, Laura Brusca. Laura started her career at a NYC agency, Ruder Finn, where she found creative outlets by raising her hand for new initiatives. From working on a program for life-saving malaria medicine to sustainability at H&M, she took her six years of experience and went in-house at Forbes. 

Laura recently celebrated a decade at the global media company - collaborating with stakeholders across teams, including working on the infamous "30 under 30" list of entrepreneurs and leaders in a diverse variety of sectors. She was recently promoted to Chief Communications Officer at Forbes and became NYWICI President within the same few months! Listen to this episode for details on how to strategically advance at your company, as well as get the inside track on her vision for NYWICI in the year ahead.

"In order to reach and engage our audience, [marketers] need to invest in culture and in language." In this episode, WomenHeard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis speaks with Donna Speciale, a 2023 Matrix Award Winner and President of U.S. Advertising, Sales and Marketing at TelevisaUnivison. Through leading a major division at the world's largest Spanish language media company, Donna has provided a wealth of resources for the marketing industry and beyond, breaking stereotypes on what a target audience "should" look like. 

Bringing in over 200 new clients in the past 2.5 years, Donna says that working for a media company that prioritizes education and the power of growth potential has been one of her most exciting opportunities in the industry. Listen to this episode for details on how "zigging and zagging" has been a powerful asset in her career toolbox.

This conversation was recorded in December 2023. 

"Storytelling means sticking with what you want people to feel, not just know." In this episode, WomenHeard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis speaks with Linda Boff, Chief Marketing Officer at GE and a 2016 NYWICI Matrix Honoree. Linda is accountable for a diverse portfolio of global marketing, advertising, brand, content, digital, sponsorships, as well as corporate communications, crisis communications, media relations, public affairs, and financial communication. 

A member of the Forbes CMO Hall of Fame, Linda's leadership style is one that brings humanity into the workplace - particularly with her perspective of "presuming good intent" in times of conflict as well as times of prosperity. Hear how she managed intentional prioritization with family (she was one of the first female soccer coaches in her town for her daughter's team!) and get tips on kaizen, a Japanese practice that advocates for continuous improvement. 

"You're never at a standstill in terms of your growth." In this episode, WomenHeard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis speaks with Christine Elliott, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Moody's Corporation and a 2023 NYWICI Matrix Award Winner. Christine's 25-year career in communications started with ABC News and she continued a fast-paced trajectory through American Express and Moody's. Currently, Christine works with policymakers, government officials and the media to deepen understanding of Moody's unique value proposition as a global integrated risk assessment firm addressing corporate, financial, and economic challenges. She also oversees sustainability strategy, optimizing operations for the company. 

One of the biggest parts of Christine's leadership journey has been having the courage for candor, which allows for vulnerability. Flexing this skillset has supported Christine at Moody's as well as with her two teenage daughters! Listen to this episode for how she takes her cues from "lady lions" and how she found the freedom to be her authentic self. 

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, celebrating a powerful community that advocates for everything from remote work to accessible travel to more positive representation in the media. In this episode, WomenHeard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis talks with Mindy Henderson, Editor-in-Chief of Quest Media. This adaptive lifestyle platform for the Muscular Dystrophy Association supports over a million Americans with tools and resources to help them live their most independent lives. 

An ambassador at the age of 4 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Mindy said she took the disability that could have been negative in her life and turned it into a 20-year career in tech, along with marriage, children and intentionality. However, for the majority of her career, Mindy was often the only person in a wheelchair she saw and she felt exhausted not being able to show up as her authentic self. After a layoff that turned out to be the "best thing that happened for [her] career", Mindy pivoted into motivational speaking, writing a book and engaging in other professional paths that advocate for DEI and the inclusion of a diverse workforce. Listen for details on why accommodations are "success enablers" for disabled employees; plus, how we can continue to support and celebrate resiliency in the disability community. 

It's the topic we all have questions about - how will AI change how we work? Host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich sits down with Cathy McPhillips to discuss how AI can power marketing - making it more approachable and accessible. Listen to this episode for details on how AI can revolutionize communication and examples of how we probably already use it in our day-to-day. If you feel overwhelmed about AI, Cathy suggests starting by asking yourself about a consistent task that's on your plate. "Is it repetitive? Is it data-driven? Is it trying to make a prediction? If it's one, two or three of those things, you probably have a use case for AI," she says. Plus, hear how Cathy made the valuable case for her title as Chief Growth Officer. 

In the first Changemakers episode, NYWICI President Georgia Galanoudis interviewed Nancy Weber, former NYWICI President. After an illustrious career in marketing, including almost two decades at Dotdash Meredith, Nancy retired in July 2023. Listen to this episode for tips on pivoting in periods of immense change.  How do we create a way of working that's more integrated with our personal lives? What does it take to be an empathetic leader? Nancy shares lessons learned and her advice for the next generation of communication professionals. 

The new WomenHeard: Changemakers podcast series is all about inspiring conversations with industry groundbreakers, including Matrix winners and past NYWICI presidents. Hosted by Georgia Galanoudis, the current NYWICI President, these interviews uncover personal and professional stories of inspiration and resilience. Through this series, we’ll learn the motivations that have propelled these Changemakers to use their platforms to open doors, elevate diverse voices, and ensure a more equitable future for all.

In this first episode, WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich speaks with Georgia about this exciting new series and introduces our audience to the host of these compelling new interviews. In addition to meeting Georgia, listen for their thoughts on leading with empathy, sustainable growth, and realizing we're not alone in our ambitions.

A former Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire, Lesley Jane Seymour has run the gamut of fabulous magazine editorial jobs at Vogue, Women's Wear Daily, Harper's Bazaar, Glamour, YM, Redbook, and More. After the latter publication folded, over 600 loyal readers asked Lesley to create something new. This birthed CoveyClub.com, a community giving women confidence in the midst of difficult life transitions. What would it mean to have a "reinvention plan" in your back pocket? Listen to this episode for tips on developing an open mindset and an actionable strategy for personal growth - it might just help you leap into your next exciting endeavor.

If you've felt like you need to protect your energy lately, this is the episode to queue up next! Devika Bulchandani, Global CEO at Ogilvy and a 2022 NYWICI Matrix Award Honoree, talks about how to be a "radiator" of energy while protecting time to replenish yourself. In this conversation, she shares how she fell in love with the advertising industry and why she took another job to start a "new chapter". As the first woman of color to run a global agency network, and the driving force of the "Fearless Girl" statue in front of Wall Street's "Charging Bull", Devika has produced work that's inspired countless conversations. She talks about why "Fearless Girl" is so important to her and how personal stories are told through the work that we do. Plus, her advice on why to open up your own mind before asking others to open theirs.

What does it mean to give yourself permission to show up more authentically? In this episode, Ellen Johnson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at IPG, gives tactical tips for how to become more vocal about your priorities. Bringing her business background to the communications field, she explains how she was part of the team to bring IPG from a “fallen angel” to a “rising star”. Listen to hear what it’s like leading in the C-suite: from diversifying your skill set to understanding the ways a wide variety of challenges can strategically influence your career and brand equity. Plus, how she follows the advice that "if you're going to put your name on something, make sure you're proud."

Join us for a conversation between two storytelling powerhouses at 'The Wall Street Journal'. Jamie Heller, Business Editor, and Annie Minoff, Senior Producer, tell us how the pandemic has affected business reporting and give us a behind-the-paywall look at how they source and produce the news. What factors contribute to compelling journalism and the lens of money, business and power? Listen here! 

This conversation was previously recorded in October 2022. 

You won't want to miss this episode! In this unfiltered and honest conversation, Atoosa Rubenstein shares her origin story leading iconic magazines that helped a generation of women come into their own. She discusses comeback culture and re-entering the conversation, along with how media has changed in her decades of industry experience. Listen to this episode to hear behind-the-scenes information about the business, personal revelations and the importance of manifestation. Plus, hear why creating quality content should be top of mind and why it "isn't a time for capable managers, it's a time for pirates."

Please note that this episode includes explicit language and themes.

From crisis management to in-house agency work to collaborating with iconic brands, Melody Lee has achieved a lot in the communications industry! This episode dives into where Melody got her start and how her career path consistently challenges her to "make herself as uncomfortable as possible". Listen for details on how she's navigated career transitions, when being an outsider can be beneficial, and how to pay it forward when it comes to mentorship. Plus, Melody shares her experience being a part of the NYWICI Board of Directors and her recommendations for how to get more involved.

This episode was recorded in the fall of 2022. 

Curious how to go from invisible to invaluable at work? In this professional workshop, Robyn Hatcher teaches us how to "own it while we hone it" and take on a more active role in our career development. Step into this strategic coaching session to hear practical tips for how we can differentiate ourselves and get the most success with colleagues who have different communication styles than us. This episode also includes some valuable confidence-building tips!

We're thrilled to share our conversation with 2022 Matrix winner Tiffany R. Warren! In this episode, Tiffany discussed the 25th anniversary of her corporate career and how taking chances helped contribute to becoming a C-suite executive in her early thirties. We also hear about setbacks and improvements in the DEI space, her motto of "rising up and reaching back", and continuing her mission to work with and elevate marginalized communities. Plus, Tiffany shares insight on why she stopped calling herself a "role model" and started rebranding as a "real model".

We're thrilled to share our conversation with 2022 Matrix winner Stephanie Mehta! Stephanie spoke about the advice she received that lit a fire under her - "be better than the 10%" - that was the encouragement she needed to distinguish herself professionally. Listen to this episode to hear about her former roles in business journalism (including The Wall Street Journal, Fortune and Fast Company) and what it's like being a CEO. Plus, she shares her perspective on what the "next normal" mindset should be in future workplace culture.

We had the incredible honor of interviewing two amazing women and 2021 NYWICI Matrix winners: Hoda Kotb, co-anchor of NBC's TODAY, and Yamiche Alcindor, anchor and moderator of Washington Week on PBS and NBC News Washington correspondent. Both spoke candidly about their career paths, mentors, and the challenges facing women in the workplace. In this episode, Hoda shares advice given to her by Maria Shriver and Yamiche delves into how she's handled tough situations while covering politics. Listen to hear more about their fascinating career trajectories and the lessons they've learned along the way.

This interview was originally recorded in the fall of 2021.

As Lowe's executive vice president, chief brand and marketing officer (plus a 2021 Matrix winner!) Marisa Thalberg had a lot to share about her career with the WomenHeard audience. In this episode, Marisa gives advice about career changes (she's worked for some of the biggest brands, including Estee Lauder and Taco Bell), taking risks, challenges for women in the workplace, and so much more. This episode will also be a particularly meaningful one for current and future working moms, as she shares the origin story for creating the organization Executive Moms.

This interview was originally recorded in the fall of 2021.

Welcome to Season 4 of our podcast! We have a new name (WomenHeard) and a new look, but we’re still featuring the same thoughtful conversations with inspiring women in the communications industry. In episode 44, we check in with Ashley Miles, president of NYWICI and founder and CEO of Franklyn West, a business growth collective. She talks about NYWICI’s relaunch of the powerful #WomenHeard initiative, what it was like starting her own business, how to network with purpose, the importance of diversity in the workplace, and more. Plus she even has recommendations for your next binge watch!